Cape May, NJ: Beach Days, Lighthouse Views, and the Best Homecoming!

Some places feel like a movie set, and Cape May is one of them. 🌊 This charming coastal town at the southern tip of New Jersey is full of colorful Victorian homes, sandy beaches, and sweet little shops, and almost all of it is walkable. It was also home to one of the most special moments of our entire trip: seeing Adam for the first time in eight weeks.

And the weather? Absolutely perfect. Sunny days, a cool ocean breeze, and not a single rain cloud to mess with our plans. We couldn't have asked for better. ☀️

Our Homecoming at the Coast Guard Base

Cape May is home to the Coast Guard's only recruit training center, which is why it became the starting line for our road trip home. After eight long weeks apart, Blakely and I got to cheer Adam on at his graduation, wrap him in the biggest hugs, and tell him how proud we are of everything he's accomplished.

Watching Blakely spot her dad in the crowd is a moment we'll never forget. It was the perfect homecoming, and honestly, the rest of the trip could have been nothing but flat tires and it still would have been worth it. ❤️

Where We Stayed: Montreal Beach Resort

We booked a room that slept six at the Montreal Beach Resort, which gave us plenty of space to spread out after long days of sun and sand. Our honest take? It wasn't the best place we've ever stayed, and it wasn't the worst. Customer service was just okay. But the location is where it really shines.

• Right across the street from the beach. We could head over any time to play in the sand and splash in the waves, then pop back to the room for snacks or a nap.
• Walkable to everything. Coffee, lobster rolls, shopping, and all the fun stuff were an easy stroll away, so we barely touched the car.
• Super cute photo spots around the property, plus sunsets that stopped us in our tracks. 🌅
• Harry's Ocean Bar and Grill is connected to the hotel, which made grabbing a meal or a drink so easy. And the food was delicious!

If location matters most to your family, this is a solid pick.

Things We Did

🏖️ The beach, every chance we got. Sand castles, wave jumping, shell hunting, and those sunsets. With weather this good, we soaked up every minute. Simple, free, and perfect.

🗼 Cape May Lighthouse. This historic lighthouse was built in 1859 and stands at Cape May Point State Park. It was one of our favorite stops and gave us some of the best pictures of the whole trip. If your family is up for it, you can climb to the top for sweeping views of the coastline.

🛍️ Shopping downtown. The Washington Street Mall is a pedestrian-friendly strip lined with shops for souvenirs, t-shirts, candy, and all kinds of fun little finds. Blakely had a blast picking out her treasures, and it's an easy place to let kids browse without worrying about traffic.

Where We Ate and Sipped

🥞 Uncle Bill's Pancake House. Our new family favorite! Fluffy pancakes, a classic breakfast menu, and that cozy beach town diner feel. It's the perfect way to fuel up before a beach day.

☕ Coffee Tyme. Our go-to caffeine stop between adventures. Grab a coffee for you and a treat for the kiddos, then wander the shops.

🦞 Lobster rolls. When in Cape May, right? You'll find them all over town, and they did not disappoint.

🍔 Harry's Ocean Bar and Grill. Right at our hotel, with ocean views and tasty food. Super convenient after a long day.

Tips for Families Visiting Cape May

• Consider visiting after summer. We went in September and had perfect weather with smaller crowds.
• Stay close to the beach. Being able to walk everywhere makes life so much easier with little ones.
• Pack for the breeze. Even on warm days, evenings by the ocean can get cool, so bring a light jacket or sweatshirt.
• Save time for sunset. Cape May sunsets are something special, so plan your evening around them.
• Bring your camera. Between the lighthouse, the Victorian homes, and the beach, you'll want pictures of everything.

Our Overall Review

We had a great time and would highly recommend Cape May to any family looking for a sweet, coastal getaway. Between the perfect weather, the walkability, the delicious food, and a homecoming we'll remember forever, this stop will always hold a special place in our hearts. It truly feels like stepping into a movie, and we'd absolutely go back! 💙 For all the road trip  recommendations and locations make sure to follow the map below:

Local Publisher Spotlight

Heading to the Jersey Shore? Check out Macaroni KID Cape May for local events, family fun, and insider tips from a local publisher who knows the area best. 👉 capemay.macaronikid.com. It looks like this site does not have a publisher currently. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a Macaroni KID Publisher please reach out to us today!